Public urged to have say on new NHS Fife health centres

Long-awaited plans which will see £11 million spent on two new health centres in Fife are finally set to take a step forward in the new year.

After existing facilities in Kincardine and Lochgelly were deemed no longer fit for purpose, NHS Fife drew up plans to replace them with new community health and well being centres, but the project stalled.

After an initial agreement document was approved by the Scottish Government in Januar y, NHS Fife has confirmed it is now in the process of comple ting outline business cases and encouraged local communities to share their views on the proposals.

The new centres, costing £ 6m in Lochgelly and £5m in Kincardine, are expected to provide services including those provided by GPs, social care and the voluntary sector.

Dona Milne, NHS Fife’s director of public health, sa id a number o f engagement activities will be held over the next month, giving communities a chance to have their say and help shape the new hubs.

“The new centres provide real opportunity to support the health and wellbeing of communities in both Kincardine and Lochgelly in a d ifferent and considered way,” she said.

“By bringing services together in one place, we are looking to enhance the experience of patients and

service users. The pandemic meant we had to pause some activities, but we are very keen to restart conversations with individuals, local groups and organisations.

“I’d encourage everyone to share their views. Their input is crucial in helping us to understand what is important to people in Kincardine and Lochgelly.” Nicky Connor, director of Fife’s health and social care partnership, said: “The centres need to provide the right health and wellbeing services and the best way for this to happen is for people to share their views and ideas.”

Activities will be conducted mainly via online forums including practice websites, through voluntary sector organisations and discussion and engagement with interested groups.

Online surveys are available until December 14 at smartsurvey. co.uk/s/Loch gelly centre/ andsmartsurvey.co.uk/s/ Kincardinecentre/.

Paper copies will be available in pharmacies, dentists and shops.

ON THE WAY OUT: Lochgelly Health Centre will be replaced by a new £6m facility.